NSU Institute of Intelligent Robotics (IIR) BA graduate Xie Jiawen from the People's Republic of China, has created a unique first aid training app. Currently, it is a virtual reality simulator with three game scenes that simulate extreme situations in which the user must provide assistance to the victims before the arrival of doctors. The development of this innovative application was part of her thesis.
Igor Kozulin, the student’s supervisor and Head of the Virtual and Augmented Reality Laboratory at the NSU IIR, explained,
The special feature of this VR application is that anyone can use it. Also, it is easy to create several more new scenarios that simulate situations when the victim needs first aid. The application is intuitive so it is very convenient for the user, all visual objects are clearly visible, tooltips guide the player to make the right decisions, and make it easy to sel ect the necessary objects and functions. It is possible to switch the game fr om Russian to English.
The VR app is built on the Unity game engine, which is used to create games and apps on multiple platforms, including mobile devices, computers, and game consoles. The application's software requirements are simple: the user's software must support Windows 7, Windows 10, or Windows 11, 64-bit versions only, and VR devices with controllers. Achieving the most realistic game effects contributes to a system of customizable shaders.
Kozulin continued,
The player selects one of three first aid modules (gas poisoning, burns, or heat stroke) and, following the prompts, saves the victim. You have to act in conditions close to reality since the world around you is recreated in a very naturalistic way. All the necessary elements of the virtual environment were created in 3D format: buildings, cars, medical instruments, medical equipment, characters, and interiors. All this creates the effect of immersion in the situation and captivates the player. The application has two modes, training and game. In the first one, it is enough just to follow the step-by-step instructions and learn the first aid algorithm and in the second, to “rescue” the victim without application prompts.
The first scenario reproduces a domestic situation: a girl in the kitchen is preparing dinner for her brother and does not notice that carbon monoxide has accumulated in the kitchen due to insufficient gas combustion. As a result, she loses consciousness from poisoning. The player, acting as the brother, must perform a few simple manipulations in order to save her life. In the second scenario, a fire is simulated. The player finds himself at a wooden house engulfed in flames. His friend is sleeping inside. When he wakes up, he begins to panic and his clothes catch fire. The player's task is to quickly make a decision and try to put out the fire or immediately go help the victim. In the third scenario, the player travels through the desert with a friend. One of them becomes ill from the heat: there are breathing problems, dizziness, and other symptoms of heat stroke. The victim loses consciousness and needs urgent help, the player cannot lose a second.
Kazulin describes the value in the app,
All three modules of emergency medicine are important tools for saving lives and providing assistance in critical situations. With this simulator, players can improve their emergency medical skills and improve their preparedness for emergencies. Xie Jiawen did a great job in creating the app. The VR application can be used to teach basic first aid skills in various domestic and professional situations. Undoubtedly, this development is useful for a wide range of people. I am sure that these types of games will be much more effective than traditional lectures since the user does not act as an observer. He can make decisions, assess the situation, perform actions, and manipulate objects. The VR application can also be downloaded as a regular game without the virtual reality function. The effect of immersion in the atmosphere of what is happening, of course, will not occur, but the user will master the first aid skills. In addition, it is possible to record all three stories in video format and demonstrate them at lectures and classes.
Classmates have played the game and rated the app highly. If industrial partners are found, it will be possible to finalize the application into a commercial product, add new scenarios, and create a database of players that allows you to track their gaming achievements.
